Bali is an idyllic destination known for its dramatic coastline, lush jungles, artfully terraced rice paddies, and the artisan culture and hospitality of the Balinese people. The Indonesian island boasts year-round perfect temperatures — typically in the low 80s —and plenty of things to do in both the wet and dry seasons. Seek out secluded waterfalls, visit some of the thousands of temples, or simply recharge in a spa or on pristine white sands.
Top 5 Can’t Miss
- From the luxury resort-lined sands of Jimbaran to quieter stretches like Virgin Beach, Bali offers ample choices for a day of sun and surf.
- The dramatic clifftop location is reason enough to visit centuries-old Uluwatu Temple, but the kecak dance is an unmissable spectacle.
- Explore the island’s vivid-green rice fields and charming villages by bike.
- Boost your well-being with a Balinese massage, which uses methods like acupressure and reflexology to encourage deep relaxation.
- Nothing says “paradise” like a towering waterfall tumbling into a jungle pool, and some of the most stunning cascades are easily accessible.
Keep reading for our complete list of the best things to do in Bali.
Unwind on stunning beaches.
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There’s so much to do in Bali, but it’s also essential to spend some time doing very little. The best place for that is on one of the island’s many beautiful beaches. We recommend the family-friendly Melasti Beach for its striking jewel-toned water, or the white-sand stretch of Nyang Nyang, which is often quiet. The clean, postcard-perfect beaches of Nusa Dua and Jimbaran are lined with luxury resorts, but for a more secluded option, head to the powdery sands of Virgin Beach in eastern Bali.
See the kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple.
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The centuries-old Uluwatu Temple is famous for several reasons. First, the petrified-coral structure perches atop sheer limestone cliffs, standing more than 200 feet above the turquoise Indian Ocean. You’ll undoubtedly encounter the wily macaques that have been known to snatch sunglasses from tourists. The site is also a gathering spot for travelers every night at sunset, when you can take in the mesmerizing kecak dance, which involves a blaze of fire and lots of chanting. It’s a singular experience and not to be missed.
Cycle through rice fields.
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Tegallalang is Bali’s most prominent and distinctive set of rice terraces, but it’s so famous that it can feel a bit crowded. To get off the beaten track, consider an epic bike ride that includes lesser known rice paddies. There are dozens of local operators offering this type of tour, and hotels like the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan offer scenic cycling excursions for guests.
Book a Balinese massage.
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Spas are almost as abundant on Bali as coconuts, and it would be a shame for any visitor to leave without booking at least one Balinese massage. Arguably the most epic version is available at Spa on the Rocks at Ayana Resort Bali, where individuals or couples can enjoy a tension-releasing treatment — plus a bath filled with hundreds of flower blossoms — in a spa bungalow perched atop giant boulders, the ocean swirling below.
Go chasing waterfalls.
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This verdant island is an excellent place to chase waterfalls, and the best time to visit if you’re planning to do so is spring or early summer, after the wet season. If you’d like to swim under falls, head to the powerful and easily accessible Tibumana Waterfall in the island’s southwest. A few miles away, Kanto Lampo is a smaller but broad and picturesque waterfall. Tukad Cepung, partially hidden in a cave, feels rather magical. There are also several spectacular cascades in the north of the island, such as the towering Banyumala twin waterfalls. A general rule of thumb is to visit sites first thing in the morning to enjoy the falls with fewer people around.
Meet macaques in Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.
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Native long-tailed macaques can be seen in forests throughout Bali, but the Ubud monkey forest fulfills several vital functions. Not only is the nearly 40-acre site a conservation area that shelters more than 1,200 of the endangered primates, some of its tree species are considered sacred and used in shrine construction among other spiritual practices. In addition to observing lively monkey families, you can wander around a religious complex that dates from the 14th century, including the Durgama Cave featuring carvings and sculptures of animals and deities, though most temples can only be entered by local worshippers. Always follow the forest’s visiting guidelines, including maintaining a safe distance and not bringing in food.
Take a cooking class at Bali Asli.
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The pristine foothills of Mount Agung are in northeast Bali, and within those hills is Balinese restaurant and cooking school Bali Asli. Themed classes do way more than teach participants to make a local dish or two. They also incorporate excursions to bustling markets to source ingredients and picturesque sites like rice fields — all of which help students experience daily Balinese life and culture.
Visit a water temple.
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You can’t visit Bali without getting wet (swimwear is nonnegotiable on the packing list). Water is sacred to the Balinese, and nowhere is that more evident than Pura Tirta Empul, a water temple in Tampaksiring near Ubud. With the help of a local guide, guests can plunge into two pools fed by a holy spring and take part in a purification ritual alongside pilgrims from all around the island. Sarongs, which are required to enter the site, are available to use for a small fee.
Tour the workshop of sustainable jewelry brand John Hardy.
Courtesy of John Hardy
Internationally acclaimed fine jewelry brand John Hardy has its headquarters and workshop just outside of Ubud. On weekdays, when things are humming with creative activity, visitors can book a tour of the site, which includes a family-style lunch with the team (based on availability, so be sure to request it in advance). Featuring sustainable bamboo architecture, the 100-acre campus is gorgeous and gives you a glimpse of how more than 600 artisans work together to create these intricate pieces of wearable art from reclaimed precious metals. Reserve a jewelry master class to dive even deeper into the craft. Two additional Bali boutiques include a concept store near Petitenget Beach with a gallery, restaurant, and bar.
Do sunrise yoga at Uluwatu.
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The Yoga Barn might be Ubud’s most famous spot for doing downward dogs, but we recommend checking out Morning Light Yoga as well. This company offers daily 7:30 a.m. yoga in an open-air space at Uluwatu Surf Villas — from here, you can see Bali’s most iconic surf break, Uluwatu, and with any luck, a monkey or two.
Go horseback riding on the beach.
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Gallop along Kedungu Beach before a tranquil ride through gorgeous green rice paddies with local tour operator Salty Cowboy. Not only does the company offer scenic rides, each of its animals has been rescued, making it even more special. Lessons for all levels are available, from an introduction to the basics to a three-day horse whisperer course.
Have a plant-based meal at Tanaman.
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If you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just into sustainability or the zero-waste movement, a meal at Tanaman is a must. From seed to stem and leaf to flower, everything gets used at this plant-based restaurant in Seminyak’s radically sustainable resort village, Desa Potato Head. Dynamic dishes feature local produce and are so imaginative you’re bound to leave with a new perspective on vegan eating.
Join a batik-dyeing workshop.
Courtesy of Threads of Life
Indonesia’s textile arts are stunningly diverse, but two of the most famous in Bali are ikat and batik. Threads of Life, a fair-trade shop in Ubud, aims to conserve and promote the craft through heirloom-quality pieces and by offering special workshops for travelers. There are even half-day batik classes that combine botany lessons with instruction on wax-resist designs and indigo dyeing.
Hike up a volcano at sunrise.
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Anyone who appreciates a physical challenge alongside a serious dose of natural beauty should add a volcano climb to their Bali must-do list. Hike up friendly Mount Batur, or tackle Mount Agung, the highest and most challenging point on the island at roughly 10,000 feet. Whichever you choose, guided treks typically start in the wee hours of the morning by flashlight so you reach the top as the red sun peeks up over the horizon.
Take a surf lesson.
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Bali is one of the world’s most famous destinations for surfing, so aspiring wave riders will find ample opportunities to try the sport. Beginners should head to Batu Bolong in Canggu or Padang Padang near Uluwatu. Dozens of nearby surf schools offer lessons on paddling out to the break and popping up like a pro. They also have boards for rent when you’re ready to practice your new skills on your own.
Reset at a luxury resort.
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The 2010 film “Eat, Pray, Love” brought fame to Balinese healers, but today’s wellness offerings go far beyond that. The intimate Jimbaran resort Raffles Bali hosts wellness retreats that touch all five senses in order to reset your body and mind in paradise. There’s meditation in a secret cave, yoga on the beach, Balinese ceremonies, chakra treatments, reiki energy healings, bedtime rituals and so much more, customized to each guest’s goals and needs. Across the island on the south coast at Bvlgari Resort Bali, you can stay in a secluded clifftop villa with a private plunge pool and restore your equilibrium with a Melukat purifying ceremony at the on-site temple.
Have brunch at Mandapa.
Nasi goreng and mie goreng (fried rice and fried noodles) are delicious and easily found around Bali, but it would be a shame not to sample other diverse Indonesian dishes while you’re in the destination, and Sawah Terrace at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is one of the very places to do so. Book a reservation for the restaurant’s Sunday brunch, an unlimited buffet with live cooking stations. The mouthwatering selection of international and local dishes may include babi guling (slow-roasted suckling pig) and udang kari kuning (prawns in yellow curry), plus an array of Indonesian and European desserts.
Swim in Bambu Indah’s riverside pools.
Courtesy of Bambu Indah
The glimmering riverside pools of Sayan resort Bambu Indah are magical, as are the property’s accommodations — a mix of traditional Javanese houses and pod-like, open-air bamboo suites. The natural spring-fed pools here are dotted with stepping stones you can use to navigate the cool water, and you’ll find plump cushions and lounge chairs on which to laze nearby, too. A resort day pass costs about $43 or roughly $22 for children ages six to 12 (plus 21 percent tax and service charge), and includes a credit for the locavore restaurant and bar.
Climb up to the “Gate of Heaven” at Pura Lempuyang Luhur.
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This ancient temple complex is associated with the Balinese god Iswara and best known for its soaring carved stone gate. The sacred hilltop site is in the island’s east and visiting is an incredible experience. After tying on a sarong, you’ll climb myriad staircases through the complex and up into the clouds. Since Mount Agung is directly opposite, you may be treated to a perfectly framed view through the so-called “Gate of Heaven,” if the skies allow.
Shop for artisan-made goods at Sukawati Art Market.
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There are many places to shop across Bali, but if your ideal souvenir is something crafted by a local artisan, check out Sukawati Art Market, where you’ll find textiles, paintings, wood carvings, and lots of decor and design items. Alternatively, there are also villages that specialize in specific art forms, such as Mas, where wooden masks are made, and Celuk, which is home to many silversmiths who sell their wares.
Experience a Melukat ceremony.
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Bali is beautiful in its singular traditions, beliefs, and rituals. While tourists can usually only experience these in passing, some hotels, such as Jumeirah Bali, and Bvlgari Resort Bali, offer authentic priest-led blessing ceremonies called melukat for their guests — a great option for anyone hoping to tap into the spiritual side of the island.
Go whitewater rafting down the Ayung River.
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Stretching more than 40 miles, the Ayung is the longest river in Bali, and whitewater rafting is an exciting way to cruise through the verdant landscape, passing rice fields and waterfalls. With easily navigable drops, it’s perfect for beginners for much of the year, though during the rainy season (November through March), the current will get your adrenaline pumping.
Soak in hidden hot springs.
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Bali’s waterfalls are often on travelers’ itineraries, but many people don’t know the island has lots of hot springs worthy of a visit, too. Known as air panas, or “hot water,” hot springs can be found in Tabanan (try Angseri hot spring) and north of Canggu. If you’re close to Lovina, visit Banjar hot spring.
Hop over to Nusa Penida, Bali’s “Black Magic Island.”
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According to legend, Nusa Penida is haunted by the spirit of an evil warlock, but don’t let that stop you from taking a day trip to this stunning island off Bali’s southeastern coast. Several speedboat companies operate from Sanur (about a 45-minute ride) and Kusamba (about 20 minutes). While the island may no longer be an undiscovered paradise, it’s a lot quieter than the mainland with beaches like Kelingking and Diamond accessible via vertiginous cliffside steps. The clear waters and dramatic landscape beckon adventurous travelers to snorkel among rays at Manta Point and explore striking cliff formations including the bowl-like cove at Broken Beach, where a natural arch opens to the ocean.
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